Ademola Lookman has closed a golden chapter in Bergamo, announcing his Atalanta exit with emotion and pride. The 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year now begins a fresh La Liga adventure with Atlético Madrid.
“To the Atalanta family , after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself.”, Lookman wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
His message framed a legacy built on records and deep mutual respect.
“Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget. Scoring a hat-trick in a European final and lifting a trophy with this club after a 61 year trophy drought will stay with me.”
That historic night came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where Lookman dismantled Bayer Leverkusen with ruthless precision. His treble sealed a famous 3-0 victory over Victor Boniface’s side and crowned Atalanta kings of Europe.
“Winning the Africa Player of the year award in 2024 as an Atalanta player will forever stay with me. Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart.”
Lookman leaves Atalanta and joins Atlético

Beyond Europe, his influence defined Atalanta’s era while his consistency met courage in decisive moments. His departure during the winter transfer window feels both inevitable and deeply emotional.
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“Thank you to my teammates, the staff, the club. To the fans, your passion, your belief, your energy meant everything.”
Those supporters repaid him with unwavering devotion, home and away, season after season. Consequently, Bergamo became more than a workplace; it became home.
“Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I’ll carry forever.”
Now, Atlético Madrid inherits a proven match-winner entering his prime, sharpened by Italian discipline and European dominance.
“Grazie di tutto, ciao ??”, he concluded in his farewell message.
Tags: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, 2023/2024 Europa League final, Bayer Leverkusen, Bergamo.